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Science News for August 27, 2021


Study finds mobile telemedicine unit as effective as traditional clinics to treat opioid addiction during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found a mobile telemedicine unit to be as successful as traditional treatment clinics in treating opioid use disorder, with 64% of patients remaining in treatment after two months. The unit also significantly reduced illicit opioid use among patients, with an average reduction of one-third.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2021

Simple safety measures reduce musical COVID-19 transmission

Researchers found that masks, social distancing, and ventilation significantly reduce the risk of musical COVID-19 transmission. Simple safety measures, such as wearing masks, limiting performance time to under 30 minutes, and maintaining distance between players, can mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS Environmental Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Maternal voice reduces pain in premature babies

A study by the University of Geneva found that maternal voice significantly reduces signs of pain in premature babies during medical interventions. The presence of a mother's voice also increases oxytocin levels, indicating better pain management.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 27, 2021

Seabed recovers more quickly following extreme storms than from the impacts of bottom-towed fishing

A study by University of Plymouth researchers found that seabed habitats and species recover more quickly following extreme storms than from the impacts of bottom-towed fishing. The research examined the impact of the 2013/14 winter storms on the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area, off southern England's coast.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

“Humanized” mouse model selects better match for organ transplant

A new approach called an immunobiological algorithm provides a comprehensive assessment of how a patient's immune system will react to tissue from each potential living donor. This method outperforms current HLA testing in identifying the best potential living donor, which could lead to improved organ transplant outcomes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateAug 27, 2021

Unravelling the mystery of brown dwarfs

An international team has identified five objects that could help distinguish brown dwarfs from low-mass stars. The companions, characterized by periods of 5-27 days and radii between Jupiter's, provide valuable information about their composition and formation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateAug 27, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research finally reveals ancient universal equation for the shape of an egg

Scientists at the University of Kent have developed a mathematical formula that describes the shape of any bird's egg in nature. The formula is based on four parameters and can be applied across multiple disciplines, including food research, mechanical engineering, and agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2021

HSE researchers compared expressive and receptive language abilities of Russian-speaking children with ASD for the first time

Researchers from HSE Centre for Language and Brain compared expressive and receptive language abilities in Russian-speaking children with ASD. The study shows that there is no single expressive-receptive language pattern in children with ASD, but the difference depends on linguistic level.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateAug 27, 2021

Oncotarget: Disabling the PI3K/Akt/mTOR survival pathway and inducing apoptosis

Researchers developed a new cancer therapy combining sulforaphane (SFN) and acetazolamide (AZ), which inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR survival pathway and reduces 5-HT secretion in carcinoid syndrome. The combination therapy induces apoptosis in tumor cells, upregulates the p21 cell cycle inhibitor, and downregulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateAug 27, 2021

Neurons in visual cortex of the brain ‘drift’ over time

Researchers at Washington University found that neurons in the primary visual cortex exhibit 'drift' over time, changing their responses to the same stimulus even without learning or experience. This discovery challenges the notion of stable neural activity in sensory cortices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Rare barley mutation with potential

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Bologna discovered a mutant in barley with roots growing straight downwards, potentially providing a starting point for breeding more drought-resistant varieties. The study found that the gene responsible for this trait is evolutionarily conserved across different cereals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021

Nanoscale systems for generating various forms of light

Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a nanoscale system that can create different forms of light by manipulating photon distribution. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum technologies and may lead to more efficient solar cells.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021

Carbon neutrality – a new policy brief for municipalities world wide

A new policy brief from University of Helsinki and Aalto University focuses on efficient demo areas for urban carbon sequestration using biochars. The research highlights the importance of safe, visible, and scientifically sound demonstration sites for reliable verification of carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeCase study·DateAug 27, 2021

Trial reports first successful results for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The EMPEROR-Preserved trial found that empagliflozin reduced the risk of a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction. The study showed that empagliflozin was effective across all prespecified subgroups, including those with or without diabetes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Delta variant doubles risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation compared to alpha variant, new UK study confirms

A new UK study has confirmed that people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant have approximately double the risk of hospitalization compared with those infected with the alpha variant. The study found a 1.45-fold increase in risk and over two-thirds of new COVID-19 cases were caused by the delta variant.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2021

Common pesticide may contribute to global obesity crisis

A study led by McMaster University scientists found that chlorpyrifos slows down the burning of calories in brown adipose tissue of mice, leading to weight gain and obesity. This process, known as diet-induced thermogenesis, is critical for regulating calorie storage and metabolism.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New study shows rundown neighborhoods not slated to go into a steep decline

A new study from the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center shows that physical disorder in Detroit doesn't lead to a steep increase in violent crime. The study's findings suggest that community-driven efforts to rebuild and remake rundown neighborhoods can be effective in reducing disorder and fear.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateAug 27, 2021

Reducing sugar in packaged foods can prevent disease in millions

A new study suggests that reducing sugar in packaged foods could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events, as well as 750,000 diabetes cases over the lifetime of the adult population in the US. The model also estimates significant cost savings and health gains for underserved populations.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateAug 27, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Simulations of polymers? A quantum puzzle

Researchers used quantum computers to study polymer models by recasting them as optimization problems, exploiting the machine's efficiency in solving such tasks. This approach enables harnessing the potential of quantum machines in a hitherto unexplored context.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2021

Embryonic development in slow motion

Roe deer's embryonic diapause phenomenon is controlled by a unique combination of amino acids and the mTORC1 pathway. The study reveals that amino acids activate mTORC1 to release embryos from decelerated proliferation, allowing them to develop normally after four and a half months.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021

Researchers develop novel analog processor for high performance computing

Researchers at George Washington University have created a nanophotonic analog processor capable of solving partial differential equations. The processor can process arbitrary inputs at the speed of light and is integrated at chip-scale.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Young children gained weight during the pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 children found that those aged 5-11 gained more weight during the pandemic than teenagers. The result was a significant increase in overweight and obese children, highlighting the need for health-focused interventions to prevent long-term consequences.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2021

Postponed retirement slows cognitive decline

A recent study by MPIDR researchers found that participating in the labor market until age 67 slows cognitive decline and protects against cognitive impairment. This effect holds regardless of gender or educational/occupational attainment, with a slowed rate of cognitive decline rather than improved function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateAug 27, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The physics behind a water bear's lumbering gait

Researchers found that tardigrades move with a strategy similar to that of larger insects, walking in a manner that is 500,000 times more efficient. This discovery raises possibilities for understanding evolutionary biology and designing soft robots.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2021

Aging-US: Multidomain interventions: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

A randomized controlled trial found that facility-based and home-based multidomain interventions improved cognitive function and retention rates among participants aged 60-79. The programs showed indicators of efficacy and feasibility, with potential benefits through inactivation of the HPA axis and enhanced brain plasticity.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·DateAug 27, 2021

Rice lab dives deep for DNA’s secrets

Yang Gao's lab has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of proteins that produce copies of genomic DNA, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The research aims to understand how DNA replication and repair processes can be targeted to develop new therapies.

SourceRice University·DateAug 27, 2021

Progress for patients with weak hearts

A large clinical trial has identified empagliflozin as a treatment option for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, reducing risk of hospitalization or death by 21 percent. The drug also showed fewer symptoms and mild side effects.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 27, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

How disorderly young galaxies grow up and mature

A supercomputer simulation reveals that interstellar frontal collisions lead to the maturation of young galaxies. The study shows how these chaotic galaxies eventually form stable spiral galaxies with similar populations of stars as the Milky Way.

SourceLund University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 27, 2021

ESC Guidelines on heart failure management launched today

The new guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and treating acute and chronic heart failure. Key findings include improved survival rates with drug treatments, increased exercise benefits, and vaccination recommendations for patients at risk of infections.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 27, 2021

Newly identified mosasaur was fish-hunting monster

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a new species of mosasaur, Ectenosaurus everhartorum, which lived 80 million years ago in western Kansas. The discovery marks only the second species in the genus Ectenosaurus and highlights the importance of continued research in the field.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2021

LETI scientists research the new method of cancer treatment

Researchers from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI propose a novel approach to cancer treatment using magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The method aims to minimize cytostatics' toxic effects on healthy tissues while maximizing accumulation in tumor tissue.

SourceSaint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI·JournalMagnetochemistry·DateAug 27, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Consequences of the loss of threatened vertebrates

The loss of threatened vertebrates may lead to varying consequences across different regions, with some losing up to 30% functional diversity. Unique species traits can make their loss more impactful, necessitating tailored conservation strategies for each biome.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2021

Aging-US: miRNAs generated from Meg3-Mirg locus are downregulated during aging

This study characterizes the aging-associated miRNA profile in murine cardiac fibroblasts, revealing a significant decrease in miRNAs generated by the Meg3-Mirg locus. The findings suggest that this repression is a common feature of aging across multiple organs, highlighting the robustness of miRNA modulation during this process.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·DateAug 27, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.